Quang Ninh People’s Committee Le Quang Tung, Swiss-Belhotel International's Gavin M. Faull, and Times Garden's Tran Dinh Lam, alongside other company representatives at the launch event
Swiss-Belhotel International will manage a new property in Vietnam’s Halong Bay, set to open in phases over the next two years.
Located by a new clock tower overlooking Halong Bay, Swiss-Belhotel Suites and Residences Ha Long Bay will comprise 50 shophouses and 236 residence units. The three floors of accommodation and shophouses are scheduled to welcome guests in 1Q2018 and the one-, two- and three-bedroom residences by 1Q2019.
Swiss-Belhotel International’s Gavin Faull (fifth from left), Quang Ninh People’s Committee Le Quang Tung (sixth from left), and Times Garden’s Tran Dinh Lam (sixth from right), alongside other company representatives at the launch event
Facilities at the hotel, developed by Vietnam’s Times Garden Vietnam JSC, include two swimming pools including one for kids, a spa with massage therapies, fitness centre, as well as a jacuzzi and whirlpool.
Interested parties may apply here https://www.pata.org/speakers-bureau/
PATA is launching the PATA Speakers Bureau to create a bank of thought leaders keen to speak, present or moderate at the association’s events in the years ahead.
“We believe that many of our members have the expertise and insight to fill the knowledge gaps within our industry,” CEO Mario Hardy said.
Interested parties may apply here https://www.pata.org/speakers-bureau/
Hardy assured that all personal information received will be kept confidential and will be used for internal purposes only.
Interested parties may submit their details here https://www.pata.org/speakers-bureau/, and should note that they are not guaranteed a slot with their submission.
LOCATION Park Hotel Farrer Park is conveniently located above Farrer Park MRT Station – just two stops from Orchard Road’s Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station and several stops from the Harbourfront Interchange that links to VivoCity and Sentosa.
Within walking distance lie City Square Mall and the 24-hour Mustafa Centre – the latter a quintessential stop for locals and tourists alike with its myriad products. The hotel also sits in the heart of Little India, a lively enclave lined with colourful shophouses.
AMBIENCE Away from the polished shine of the Marina Bay precinct, this 20-storey, 300-room hotel owes its quiet, chic vibe to RSP Architects and interior design agency FBEYE International. As evident from its mid-day check-in queues, the hotel has become a favourite among families and student groups since its May 2017 opening.
Duplex Sky Loft
ROOMS The hotel provides the urban comforts, topped with a hint of boutique chic. My door opened to a lofty surprise: a roomy duplex Sky Loft unit looking out over the neighbourhood through floor-to-ceiling windows letting soft daylight in.
Upstairs, the bed is accompanied by a TV, bedside cabinet and balcony outcrop.
Other categories are the single-storey Superior Room, Deluxe Room (with complimentary mini-bar) and Crystal Club Room (with access to the Crystal Club Lounge), as well as the sizeable Premier Loft that accommodates an additional fold-out sofa bed perfect for families.
F&B It may be enveloped by streets packed with hearty local eats, but Park Hotel Farrer Park can easily fill you up with the tasty treats within its walls.
In its lobby sits The Coffee Belt, which prides itself on incorporating local flavours into its signature dishes. The masala chai (spiced tea) is creamy but light, while the pandan brick toast – a brioche slice served with a dollop of pandan custard and coconut ice cream – makes a perfect complement.
The halal-certified Blue Jasmine Thai Restaurant offers classic Thai and street food dishes – another gem that Park Hotel Farrer Park hides on its pool deck.
VERDICT Park Hotel Farrer Park offers the best of both worlds, melding the bustle of the vibrant environs with the well-designed rooms and amenities.
Rates From S$184 (US$139) a night Contact details
Tel: (65)-6824-8888
Website: www.parkhotelgroup.com/en/farrerpark
Hardened lava at the foot of the volcano Batur with Mount Agung and Mount Abang in the background
With Bali on high alert following volcanic activity at Mount Agung, a Ministry of Tourism-funded taskforce has been formed to handle tourist-related services especially in times of crises.
Spearheaded by the Bali Government Tourism Office and with Bali Tourism Board (BTB) acting as deputy chair, the Bali Tourism Hospitality Task Force pledges to be the authoritative source of information and updates on issues related to Bali, effective October 5.
Hardened lava at the foot of the volcano Batur with Mount Agung and Mount Abang in the background
The task force will also comprise representatives from the Indonesia Hotels and Restaurants Association (PHRI) Bali, Travel Agents Association (ASITA) Bali, and Bali Tourism Institute (STP Bali).
Ida Bagus Agung Partha, chairman of BTB, said: “The formation of the task force has taken the momentum of Mount Agung’s (current activity), but it will not be in existence solely for the issue. The task force will continue to tackle issues related to Bali (such as the closure of the airport as a result of the eruptions of Mount Raung in East Java and Mount Rinjani in Lombok in 2015).”
BTB’s website www.BaliTourismBoard.or.id will now act as the main website through which the task force will disseminate the latest updates. Enquiries with the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism (www.Indonesia.travel) and Bali Government Tourism Office (www.disparda.baliprov.go.id) websites will be directed to the BTB website.
Official statements on crises will be jointly issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Bali Government Tourism Office and Bali Tourism Board, all under the task force.
In the aftermath of separatist agitation in parts of neighbouring Darjeeling, India’s northeastern state of Sikkim is looking beyond its traditional visitor markets and pinning hopes on South-east Asia to help revive tourism.
Visitor numbers allegedly took a hit in the 104 days of separatist agitation in Darjeeling that forced a shutdown of the destination. The movement has since been called off.
Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, a sacred natural glacial lake on top of mountain in Gangtok, East Sikkim
“There has been a decline to the tune of 90 per cent in tourist arrivals post the agitation demanding ‘Gorkhaland’ (that) began few months back. In September alone tour operators recorded about 40 per cent cancellations. The fact that many countries issued advisories cautioning their citizens to avoid travel to our state hit our international tourist arrivals,” said C Zangpo, secretary, tourism & civil aviation department, government of Sikkim.
The impact could be attributed to the landlocked geography of the state, connected to the outside world through National Highway 10, 70km of which lies in Darjeeling, while Bagdogra airport in the Darjeeling district presently offers the only air link to the state.
As part of plans to reinvigorate tourism, the state tourism department is looking at South-east Asian markets including Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam, primarily focusing on its Buddhist offering. The state is home to about 200 monasteries.
“Traditionally, the US and Europe have been our key source markets for international tourism. Now we are eyeing South-east Asian markets too. To begin with we will host a fam trip for tour operators in Thailand in October and later this year we also plan to organise a roadshow in Thailand,” said Zangpo.
The tourism department is also holding talks with the North Eastern Council to explore advertising opportunities in South-east Asian markets.
As well, the tourism department is working on restoring the destination’s safety image among foreign tour operators, Zangpo said. It will host a fam tour for international tour operators in December on the sidelines of International Tourism Mart (ITM) that takes place in northeast India annually.
“Even during the agitation, National Highway 10 was open for travellers and there was no untoward incident involving any tourists. We are taking the help of different media platforms to dispel any negative notion regarding safety of tourists visiting Sikkim,” Zangpo reassured.
Boding well for tourism, the landlocked state is set to get its first airport in December.
“We expect that once the airport comes up it will result in a significant increase in international tourist arrivals. The rugged terrain from Bagdogra to Gangtok makes the road journey uncomfortable. Air India, IndiGo and Jet Airways have shown interest to operate flights to the new airport,” he said.
Zangpo also shared plans to have direct international air connectivity with Bhutan and Nepal. “If the relationship between India and China improves, we are keen to have air connectivity with Lhasa in Tibet,” said Zangpo.
Sikkim recorded 66,000 international tourist arrivals in 2016 as compared to 37,000 international tourist arrivals in 2015. In the first six months of this year about 33,000 foreigners have visited the state.
TTG's Raini Hamdi, Darren Ng, Indonesian tourism minister Arief Yahya and TTG's Karen Yue
Eighty-two travel industry luminaries were recognised at the 28th TTG Travel Awards gala held in Bangkok last Thursday.
Among them were 18 new awardees including Mandara Spa and Sands Expo and Convention Centre Marina Bay Sands, which clinched the honour of Best Spa Operator and Best Convention & Exhibition Centre respectively.
TTG’s Raini Hamdi, Darren Ng, Indonesian tourism minister Arief Yahya and TTG’s Karen Yue at the awards
Others taking home the Hermes trophy for the first time included American Airlines Group, Hainan Airlines Holding, The Siam, Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, and Oneday Korea Tours and Travel.
These made up the 52 winners across Travel Supplier and Travel Agency categories voted in by the travel trade, comprising readers of TTG Asia, TTG China, TTG India, TTGmice, TTG BTmice, TTG China, TTGassociations and TTG Asia Luxury.
Meanwhile, Outstanding Achievement Award recipients handpicked by TTG’s editorial team were Peter Bellew, CEO of Malaysia Airlines Berhad, as Travel Personality of the Year; Indonesia as Destination of the Year; Thomas Cook India Group as Travel Entrepreneur of the Year; Tourism Authority of Thailand for Best Travel Marketing Effort; and Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas as Most Sustainable Travel Company.
The night also saw comeback performance from Air New Zealand, Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Dusit Thani Manila – which respectively reclaimed awards for Best Pacific Airline, Best Hotel Representation Company and Best City Hotel – Manila.
Returning awardees also included Ramada Singapore At Zhongshan Park (Best Mid-Range Hotel), Ibis (Best Budget Hotel Brand), Cathay Pacific Airways (Best Airline – Business Class), JTB Corp (Best Travel Agency – Japan) and Chan Brothers Travel (Best Travel Agency – Singapore).
Defending winners comprise the majority of the award recipients, counting industry players such as AccorHotels (Best Global Hotel Chain), Frasers Hospitality (Best Serviced Residence Operator), Best Western International (Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand), Royal Caribbean Cruises (Best Cruise Operator) and Phoenix Tours International (Best Travel Agency – Chinese Taipei).
And making the TTG Travel Hall of Fame were leaders of their respective classes, including Singapore Airlines and Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau. View the 15 luminaries here.
TTG Asia Travel Trade Publishing congratulates all our winners and extends a heartfelt thank you to all voters. Voting for the 2018 awards will commence in mid-April 2018. More information on the TTG Travel Awards can be found at: awards.ttgasia.com
AirAsia, which is raring to set up a joint venture budget airline in China, has entered into a non-binding term sheet with China Everbright Group and two Singapore-based companies, Plato Capital and Oxley Capital, towards that end.
Signed on September 25, the term sheet confirmed the parties’ interest in the joint venture, with a validity period of up to 12 months for discussions and negiotiatons leading up to a definitive agreement.
China JV in the works
AirAsia, Everbright and Henan Government Working Group had on May 14 signed an MoU to establish a LCC in China, portions of which have also been included in the new term sheet.
The agreement outlined intentions to incorporate a joint venture to be known as AirAsia (China) to operate a low-cost aviation business based in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province in central China.
Plans were also for AirAsia (China) to invest in aviation infrastructure, including a dedicated LCC terminal at Zhengzhou airport and an aviation academy to train pilots, crew and engineers, as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities to service aircraft.
AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes, said that the China venture represents “the final piece of the AirAsia puzzle”, closing the loop on all major territories in Asia-Pacific.
A theme park in the Jeju Shinhwa World integrated resort has opened its doors to guests.
Shinhwa Theme Park is developed in collaboration with South Korean animation company TUBAn, based on its 3D animated characters such as Larva, Wingle Bear, Buck and Oscar.
(Middle four, from left) Chinese consul general Feng Chun Tai, Landing International’s Yang Zhihui, Jeju vice governor Jeon Seong-Tae, Jeju Free International City Development Center’s Lee Kwang-Hee, with others at the opening ceremony
It comprises three themed zones – Larva’s Adventure Village, Oscar’s New World and Rotary Park – offering 15 rides and attractions, themed exhibits and live performances.
The 250ha integrated resort park been opening in phases, including the launch of the full-serviced resort condominium Somerset Jeju Shinhwa World last April.
Scheduled for opening in November are Landing Resort, M.I.C.E facilities and YG Town, operated by YG Entertainment, featuring a bowling club and cafe with design input from Korean pop celebrity G-Dragon.
Jeju Shinhwa World targets an official launch in December, when other facilities including a Marriott resort, restaurants and food streets, retail mall and foreigners-only casino are scheduled to open.
Azamara Club Cruises, the upmarket cruise line subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises, will take delivery of a sister ship to the Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest in March 2018.
The Azamara Pursuit, being comparable in size to her sister ships, will be able to visit ports not reachable by larger ships, according to an Azamara statement.
Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest
Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises, added that the new addition would open up itinerary options to new parts of the world and help answer demand in the industry.
Information about deployment and itineraries for Azamara Pursuit will be available later this month.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has banned all its citizens from travelling to North Korea until further notice citing “the escalation of tensions in the Korean Peninsula and related developments arising from missile tests”.
The ban was announced on the ministry’s website on September 28, days before the high-profile trial over the fatal poisoning of Kim Jong-Nam, the half-brother of North Korea’s ruler, at the Malaysia supreme court. Following the alleged assassination last year, Malaysian citizens were advised to avoid travel to the already estranged country.
Malaysians banned from travelling to North Korea banned until further notice
Commenting on the ban, The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president, KL Tan, said: “Few Malaysians are affected by the travel ban as trade between North Korea and Malaysia is minimal.
“Malaysians travelling overseas for holidays are not affected as few would take the unnecessary risks of venturing into hotspots. Also it is the duty of all travel agents to exercise due care and skill to place the safety of travellers above all else.”
Outbound agent, Desmond Lee, group managing director, Apple Vacations & Conventions, agreed that North Korea is not a popular destination for holiday makers from Malaysia.
There are also no direct flights between Malaysia and North Korea.
